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The first stage of this tranquility consists in silencing the lips when the heart is excited. The second, in silencing the mind when the soul is still excited. The goal is a perfect peacefulness even in the middle of the raging storm.

John Climacus

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When you hear that your neighbor or friend has reproached you in your absence or presence, then show love and praise him.
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It happens, I do not know how, that most of the proud never really discover their true selves. They think they have conquered their passions and they find out how poor they really are only after they die.
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Pride is the utter poverty of soul disguised as riches, imaginary light where in fact there is darkness.
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